Maple Leafs Lose Another Defenseman to Injury

The Toronto Maple Leafs can't keep their blueline healthy as Rasmus Sandin is the latest defensemen to go down with an injury. Sandin left Tuesday's game against the Tampa Bay Lighting with an apparent neck injury.

It's not clear exactly what happened to Rasmus Sandin. His last shift resulted in Matthews' goal early in the second period and hasn't returned as the second period comes to a close.

— David Alter (@dalter) December 21, 2022

With injuries to the likes of Morgan Rielly, Jake Muzzin, TJ Brodie, and Jordie Benn, Sandin had been stepping up in a major way and playing some outstanding minutes alongside best buddy Timothy Liljegren.

On Tuesday, Sandin left in the second period, however after the game head coach Sheldon Keefe seemed optimistic this wouldn't be a long-term absence. The Swedish defensemen will be reevaluated on Wednesday. 

Sandin has recorded 13 points through his first 32 games this season and is enjoying the best season of his career. Let's hope for everyone's sake he's back in the Maple Leafs lineup after the Christmas break.

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports